F
45%
Overall NAT. AVG.
14%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
107%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Pomona California National
Cost of living145141100
Groceries114111100
Health care119116100
Housing207197100
Transportation121118100
Utilities122119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment118120100
Household Items115111100
Education & Childcare125127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pomona, CA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Pomona is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Pomona is 145, which is 45% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Pomona may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Pomona falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Pomona, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 107.3% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Pomona, you can expect to pay 14.6% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Pomona, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 13.8% higher than the national average.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Pomona?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 9 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Pomona and this is how they responded. 44% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 56% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Pomona Affordable?

Is Pomona affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Pomona, the median home price is 134.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 44.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Pomona boasting a median household income of $91,828, 12.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pomona?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Pomona, the housing index comes in at 107.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Pomona cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pomona is 3% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Pomona is 45% higher than the national average
  • Pomona housing is 107% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Pomona

See all the best places to live around Pomona

Compare Pomona, CA Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$123,031$10,253$2,871$3,691
      Renters$67,868$5,656$1,583$2,036
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Pomona, CA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Pomona homeowners, is $123,031. This would allow for a maximum of $2,871 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $67,868 which would result in a maximum of $1,583 to be spent on rental costs.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

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      Lytle Creek, CA67113333.4%
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      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Pomona, CA156,85314545.3%

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      Springfield, MA156,85811010.1%
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      Hollywood, FL157,60511818.4%
      Pasadena, TX157,942946.1%
      Pomona, CA156,85314545.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.